A decision to reconsider plans to open an offshoot of a world-renowned independent school in the north east of England has been welcomed.

Eton College and academy trust Star Academies want to open three sixth form colleges in Middlesbrough, Dudley and Oldham to help students from disadvantaged communities secure places at top universities.

But Education Minister Bridget Phillipson has asked officials to review all mainstream independent schools approved by the former Conservative government.

Middlesbrough and Thornaby Labor MP Andy McDonald said it was important to find the best use of taxpayers’ money.

“We cannot follow the whims and fancies of one politician or another,” McDonald said.

“We need to look at what will give our young children the best chances in education.”

Some education providers on Teesside had expressed concern that the new college – which would take 240 students annually – would “cream the bright kids” out of local schools.

Phillipson said that under the last government “substantial funds” had been allocated to the program when some of the money could have been better spent on improving the deteriorating condition of existing schools and colleges.

Eton, where many of the country’s prime ministers studied, had said it would contribute around £1m a year per college.

The Eton Star Partnership said it was not surprised by the education secretary’s announcement given the current fiscal situation.

“We remain fully committed to our plans to open a transformative sixth form college in Middlesbrough,” a spokesperson said.

“We believe that the joint vision of Star Academies and Eton will transform the lives of many young people in the Tees Valley if approved.”

The new college was initially expected to open in Middlesbrough in 2025, but construction work has yet to begin.